Kannada Actress Ranya Rao Gold Smuggling Case Takes a Political Turn
The case of gold smuggling involving Kannada actress Ranya Rao has now entered the political arena with the arrest of the actress. It is reported that a big politician could be involved in the operation. Due to this explosive statement, after AS Ponnanna, the law adviser to the Karnataka Chief Minister, spoke on a separate note, assuring that law would take its own course, no matter who else could be connected to the case.
Gold Seizure at Huge Values at the Bengaluru Airport
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seized gold worth huge amounts. Rs. 17.3 crore and cash in this smuggling case; one of the largest for air passengers in the last few years.
What happened is as follows:
- Ranya Rao landed at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), Bengaluru, with gold weighing 14.2 kg strapped to her body from Dubai.
- She was intercepted at the airport by the DRI, leading to a widespread investigation.
- A raid conducted at her luxurious flat on Lavelle Road led to the seizure of designer gold jewelry worth Rs 2.1 crore and about Rs 2.7 crore in cash.
- Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara has demanded a report in detail on the smuggling network.
- During questioning, Ranya reportedly said she was being threatened into smuggling gold.
The Family Cringes
K. Ramachandra Rao, Ranya Rao’s father, DGP (Police Housing Corporation), expressed shock and disappointment at the incident. He said Ranya got married four months ago and has been living separately. “We have no idea of her or her husband’s business,” he said, adding that he has had a clean record throughout his life and will let the law take its own course.
Working Style of Smuggling Operation
Investigation has revealed shocking details:
In the last year, Ranya Rao traveled to Dubai 30 times with significant quantities of smuggled gold.
Reportedly, she was paid Rs. 1 lakh per kg of smuggled gold, earning about Rs. 12-13 lakh per trip.
Special jackets and waist belts were used by her to keep the gold away from the airport scrutiny.
A police constable posted in that airport allegedly assisted her in evading the security checks.
The investigators believe that the smuggling network may involve political parties, businessmen, and even police officers.
Past Controversies
Even more interestingly, Ranya Rao’s father was associated with the theft case in 2014. DGP Ramachandra Rao’s gunman was caught in an alleged theft of Rs 2.07 crores from a bus traveling to Kerala, for which Rao was subsequently removed from the IGP (Southern Range).
The Next Step?
With the ongoing investigation,
- Ranya Rao has been remanded to 14 days in judicial custody.
Meanwhile, the authorities are tracing the financial transactions to find links to the alleged politician involved.
- Things are bound to get bigger, with many more high-profile names expected to come up, leading to the exposure of a much bigger smuggling racket.
- As the political storm gathers, all eyes are turned on what happens next regarding the Ranya Rao gold smuggling case.
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